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Marianna Kistler Beach Museum of Art

Tag: Rural America

Now open!

Posted on by Jui Mhatre

Rural America
Open through September 26, 2026

Rural communities across America face unique hardships, such as limited access to healthcare, education, and broadband services. Yet they also possess strengths, such as close-knit social networks, natural resources, and cultural traditions that contribute to their resilience and character.

The artworks in this exhibition highlight the challenges rural communities have faced and the unique qualities that have sustained them. The works offer a lens through which to consider the struggles and assets of today’s rural communities. Through prints, drawings, and paintings, artists explore themes such as the decline of small farms, school consolidation, grocery store closures, and the fading of local journalism. These are balanced by depictions of rural vitality such as tourism, community events, local cooperatives, faith institutions, and efforts in historic preservation.

A view of the "Rural America" exhibition at the Beach Museum of Art

Featured works in the exhibition include Brush Fire by Ernest William Watson, Rural School in Moonlight by Mary Huntoon, Meeting House by Thomas Hart Benton, Destruction of the Family Farm by Brian Maxwell, Fourth Estate by Jeremiah Ariaz, and Youth Helps Rebuild a World by John Steuart Curry.

The exhibition will be in two parts, aligning with the fall and spring semesters of the 2025-2026 academic year.

Special feature:
Share your stories of rural communities or thoughts about the works in the exhibition in the comments book. We would love to know!

Comment book for visitors in the "Rural America" exhibition at the Beach Museum of Art.

Related events
Beach Museum of Art | Free and open to the public

Let’s Talk Local Newspapers with Photographer Jeremiah Ariaz
Thurs., Oct. 2, 2025, 5:30 p.m.

Hungry Heartland: Exploring Food Deserts in the Breadbasket
Thurs., April 16, 2026, 5:30-7 p.m.
Conversation with K-State Faculty and Students in the art department, A.Q. Miller School of Media and Communication, and social transformation studies department.

Major Sponsor: Greater Manhattan Community Foundation’s Lincoln & Dorothy Deihl Community Grants Program
Sustaining Sponsors: Dan and Beth Bird
Contributing Sponsor: The Beach–Edwards Family Foundation

Let’s Talk Local Newspapers with Jeremiah Ariaz

Posted on by Jui Mhatre

Thurs., Oct. 2, 2025 | 5:30-6:30 p.m. | Beach Museum of Art | Free and open to the public

Photographer Jeremiah Ariaz will discuss his Fourth Estate series, which explores the vital role of small-town newspapers in Kansas. The project highlights how these publications help build community and support democratic systems, while also documenting an industry in decline. Newspapers are closing across the country at an average rate of two per week. The conversation will be led by Curator Elizabeth Seaton.

Photo of Jeremiah Ariaz
Jeremiah Ariaz

This program is offered in conjunction with the exhibition Rural America, open Sept. 2, 2025 – Sept. 26, 2026.

A view of the "Fourth Estate" works by artist Jeremiah Ariaz, in the "Rural America" exhibition at the Beach Museum of Art.
A view of the Fourth Estate works by Jeremiah Ariaz, on display in the “Rural America” exhibition at the Beach Museum of Art.

"Rural America" exhibition promotional image.

Opening soon!

Posted on by Jui Mhatre

Rural America
September 2, 2025 – September 26, 2026

Works from the museum’s collection depict life in rural America, highlighting both the challenges rural communities face as well as the unique qualities that sustain them. These primarily historical images offer a lens through which to consider the struggles and strengths of today’s rural communities. The exhibition will be in two parts.

Related events
Beach Museum of Art | Free and open to the public

Let’s Talk Local Newspapers with Photographer Jeremiah Ariaz
Thurs., Oct. 2, 2025, 5:30 p.m.

Hungry Heartland: Exploring Food Deserts in the Breadbasket
Thurs., April 16, 2026, 5:30-7 p.m.
Conversation with K-State faculty and students in the art department, A.Q. Miller School of Media and Communication, and social transformation studies department.

"Rural America" exhibition image